Ben Johnson and his England U21s teammates have qualified for the 2023 UEFA European Championship following a 3-0 win over Albania.
Johnson started for the England U21s in Tuesday’s qualification match against Albania, with the side knowing that three points would be enough to guarantee a place at next summer’s finals in Romania and Georgia.
Johnson started Tuesday’s contest at the Technique Stadium at left-back, with England taking the advantage just before half-time through Arsenal's Folarin Balogun. The Gunners striker would add a second on 66 minutes before substitute Cameron Archer added a third goal on 77 minutes.
Johnson, making his third appearance for the England U21s after receiving his first call-up back in March, was substituted on 83 minutes after a typically impressive performance. Luke Thomas of Leicester City came on in his place.
Victory in Tuesday's outing means England have 22 points from eight matches played in qualifying. The Young Lions are now three points ahead of the Czech Republic, who only have one match left and would finish below England if the two nations ended on the same points because of the head-to-head rule.
Johnson was one of five West Ham players in international action on Tuesday, with all representing England in differing age groups.
At senior level, Declan Rice also made a starting appearance for England, featuring once again in midfield for the Three Lions in the 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany.
The 23-year-old earned his 30th cap for the national side in Tuesday’s draw in Munich, as England secured a late point thanks to Harry Kane’s penalty after the home side took the lead through Jonas Hofman.
Fellow Hammer Jarrod Bowen also earned his second England cap, after impressing on his debut against Hungary at the weekend, coming onto the pitch on 79 minutes in place of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
In truth, it was a game largely dominated by the hosts, with England still without a win in their 2022/23 Nations League campaign.
Down the age groups, there was a goalscoring outing for Academy forward Divin Mubama as England U18s defeated Austria in a thrilling 3-2 encounter.
Mubama's second-half strike had given England a 2-1 advantage against their opponent, with the striker and his teammates going on to win the fixture six minutes from full-time after Austria had drawn level.
It was Austria who took the lead in Tuesday's match when Luka Reischl tucked away past James Beadle’s right-hand side.
Mubama went close with a header moments later, but the Three Lions restored parity before half-time when Sammy Braybrooke whipped in a dangerous corner, which George Hall headed home.
England took the advantage in the opening minute of the second half when Hall turned provider. His cross was headed home by Mubama, scoring his fourth international goal at U18s level.
England’s 2-1 lead was to last only last five minutes as Filip Ristanic pulled Austria level, but the game was won on 84 minutes when Oliver Arblaster of Sheffield United powered home a left-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area.
2021/22 Dylan Tombides Award winner Sonny Perkins also featured in Tuesday's win, replacing club colleague Mubama from the substitute bench on 62 minutes.